Pompeii ➳ muke

sixteen

Michael rushes home much faster than he should.

He doesn't even know why because it's only Luke, a boy he hardly knows at all. Yet, for some reason, the simple thought of seeing the blond haired boy after all that has happened makes Michael's heart race and his stomach do little flips. He isn't even sure if Luke has seen the article yet, but he would much rather discuss it with him beforehand.

As soon as he enters the foyer he's shouting for Annette, trying desperately to find her in the big house. Moments later, the flustered woman rushes into the foyer with a stack of large white towels in her hands.

"Mr. Clifford, are you alright? Has something happened?" She questions, concern written across her tired face.

Michael finally calms, taking in a deep breath, "I'm fine. Actually no, I'm not, but um... Luke is coming over and I just need the house to be spotless. Maybe have William make dinner for two? Please and thank you, Anne! You are the absolute best."

Michael takes the spiral stairs two at a time as he hurries to his bedroom to change his clothes. He knows that Luke would make fun of him for the way that he is now, all messy haired and sweaty. The interrogation, although short, had Michael more nervous than he has been in quite some time. He quickly swaps the clothes for a pair of black jeans and a random band tee shirt he finds on the floor. In front of the full length mirror, he straightens his clothing out and runs his fingers through his messy locks, deciding that they look well enough before turning on his heel to face his disastrous room.

He moves swiftly around the room, picking up stray garments of clothing and tossing them into the clothes basket. He's anxious, probably more so than he should be. His hands tremble as he cleans, his heart rate picks up and he feels a light coating of sweat form across his forehead.

Once the room is presentable again, he hurries down the stairs to the main floor once again. Annette is in the lounge fluffing the pillows while William is in the kitchen mixing ingredients for some unknown recipe. Michael makes he way to his music room, picking up several records from the floor and places them back onto the shelves.

He isn't sure why he's making such a big deal about Luke coming over. It isn't the first time that the boy has been in his home, but he still wants to make a good impression. Especially considering the current circumstance. Michael cares for Luke, but knows that anyone who would choose to have a relationship with himself would have to be insane. He's gone longer than he's home, the tabloids are always looking for their next big story, and jealously is inevitable with the hundreds of fans he meets daily. As much as he enjoys the thought of a future with someone, especially someone like Luke, he knows that his chances are slim.

And then Annette is calling him to the foyer, announcing, "Mister Hemmings is here!" and Michael's breath catches in his throat, causing him to audibly choke. He takes a deep breath, running his fingers through his hair one final time before making his way to where Luke is waiting patiently for him.

Luke smiles, all white teeth and cheeky, "Hi, Michael!" in the sweetest tone of voice.

And Michael's heart soars.